ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the third day in a row, News10NBC is tracking air quality concerns across the Rochester region because of smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota.
The air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Friday morning, according to AirNow’s air quality tracker, with an index of 146. That means people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are advised to reduce their time outdoors.
At times on Thursday afternoon, the air quality index rose to over 200, meaning “very unhealthy,” meaning that everyone was at risk of health effects, not just sensitive groups. That led Monroe County to close its parks, public golf courses, Ontario Beach Park, and Seneca Park Zoo for the rest of the day, and organizers to cancel events, including Party in the Park.
News10NBC has issued a Yellow Alert through early Friday morning, but we expect the air quality to improve by late morning. However, we also have a Yellow Alert for Saturday for more air quality issues, along with afternoon thunderstorms.
MORE OF OUR COVERAGE:
- Air quality hits purple ‘very unhealthy’ range: How to protect your home from smoke particles
- How Seneca Park Zoo staff are keeping animals safe from air quality concerns
- Thursday’s coverage: Monroe County closes its parks and more, make your own air filter
- Wednesday’s coverage: Air quality advisory begins, find out who’s most at risk
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